13 tips to keep your Mac secure

By Jessica Citizen, Tecca

Once upon a time, almost everybody used Apple computers at home. Then the Windows PC arrived and took over the majority market share, winning that popularity contest for at least a couple of decades. While still commanding a relatively small piece of the computing market, Apple is resurgent, and there are more than 100 million Mac OS X users around the world at last count. And as we've covered before, when something becomes popular, it also becomes a target.

Brian Kersey, Getty Images

The resurgent popularity of Mac computers is making them more attractive targets for hackers.

The resurgent popularity of Mac computers is making them more attractive targets for hackers.

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It's been a long-running joke that the best way to protect yourself from computer viruses is to use a Mac — the implication being that virus authors, much like video game developers, won't waste their time and efforts on such a small portion of the user population. However, with the advent of Apple-specific malware such as the Mac OS X Trojan Flashback, the statement no longer rings true. Even though Mac OS X has traditionally seemed to be a secure operating system, we've rounded up a baker's dozen of handy hints to help make your machine a veritable Fort Knox.

1. Put down the Java

All of the 700,000+ Apple computers infected with the Flashback Trojan have one thing in common: They're all running out-of-date versions of the Java browser add-on. Since software updates on Macs are a manual process, updates to tools like Java have to be rolled out by Apple itself — a step that can lag several months. The easiest way to get around this problem is simply to turn off Java from within the Safari browser, an option available under Security in the Preferences menu. Don't use Safari? You can also turn the service off on your computer as a whole. Head to Applications > Utilities, and uncheck the Java versions listed in the General tab.

2. Keep your Mac up-to-date

On the subject of updates, make sure your machine is running the latest versions of OS X and Safari, as well as everything else. Apple takes pride in updating its operating system regularly, as well as other third-party software, so it's a good idea to run Software Update regularly. Once a week is a good rule of thumb. Make sure you install all of the available patches and updates rather than just downloading them, since they won't do any good just sitting on the desktop! To check for software updates, click the apple icon in the upper left corner of your screen and select "Software update."

3. Use strong passwords

We've gone into detail time and again about the importance of strong passwords, but it can't be stressed enough. Create (and use!) passwords that are at least eight characters in length, using both letters and numbers, and throw in at least one capital letter or symbol to make them even more secure.

Remember to use different passwords for different services. As soon as hackers gain access to one account, they are going to try the same password on other online sites as well, perusing your social networks, checking your online bank account, and snooping around your inbox. Don't make it easy for hackers to get what they want — use different passwords for each site or service.

4. Turn off automatic logins

What good is a strong password if you don't use it? Even though it's a pain to have to re-enter all of your passwords every time you boot up your machine, log in to your account, open messenger programs, or access various websites, it really is the safest option. Otherwise, if someone accesses your machine while you aren't around — a sister who wants to check her email, a work colleague visiting your desk, a thief who's "borrowed" your laptop — they'll have automatic access to all of your content. Sure, it means a few extra keystrokes for you, but it will make all your data more secure.

5. Use a password manager

There is a way to avoid constantly having to re-enter your passwords, and that is to use a password manager like LastPass. Another one of these, Keychain, comes free with current versions of Mac OS X.

To use a password manager, you'll be asked to create a unique, strong passphrase and store that in your keychain, rather than trying to remember shorter, easier but more numerous passwords. This system is also very handy when you vary your passwords, as you should!

6. Prepare your firewall

Mac OS X has a built-in firewall that can be used to prevent unauthorized users or programs from accessing your machine remotely. Make sure it's turned on, or all of your security procedures will be as useless as a car alarm on an unlocked vehicle. While there will be a brief learning curve teaching the firewall to play nicely with any non-Apple programs you may want to use, it's a small inconvenience that more than makes up for that in terms of peace of mind.

7. Turn off 'Open safe files'

This one's a bit of a hangover from a long-ago era when certain file types were unlikely to harbor viruses or malware. Unfortunately, hackers and technology have progressed, meaning that "safe files" are a thing of the past. All sorts of malware can be tucked inside even the most unassuming files. Even the once-innocuous MP3, .jpg, PDF and .doc files are all capable of harboring code designed to attack your Mac.

As a child, your parents always told you that it was good to share — but when it comes to computers, that's not necessarily always the case. Sometimes it can be necessary, when you are sharing a printer or need to transfer files quickly. But a lot of the time, your machine can be left to its own devices. These sharing systems, including bluetooth and Airport, can leave your machine vulnerable (they are designed to allow remote access to your computer, after all), so when you're not using them, turn them off!

9. Download only from trusted sources

This should go without saying. Pirated software, warez, cracks, and other illegal downloads are frequently used to distribute malware and viruses, infecting your machine as soon as you access the file. So not only are you getting copyrighted material for free, you're getting an unpleasant something extra. Karmic comeuppance, or the price of taking a market risk? Make sure that you download software, applications, media, and other files directly from the source to minimize your risk of infection.

10. Enable full disk encryption or FileVault

Now upgraded to FileVault 2, Apple's encryption solution can be used to secure your entire hard drive instead of just your home folder. It might not be something you've had much occasion to consider previously, but it's a handy, built-in solution that will protect your hard drive quickly and easily in case your computer is lost or stolen.

To run FileVault 2, you'll need OS X Lion (or higher), as well as Recovery HD installed on your startup drive. Each time you log on to your machine, your password will unlock your hard drive as well as your user account. No password? No data access.

11: Update all the (other) things

Updates here might not be as urgent as for Java, but Adobe Reader is another application that you should update and keep updated. It's a favorite of Windows-based cyber-criminals, and the jump to Mac is anticipated sooner rather than later. The software is among the most exploited in the world, but each new version introduces security enhancements which make it better than the last.

12. Get a good security system

While you may have heard that Macs simply do not get viruses, the recent Flashback episode illustrates otherwise. Now, Mac-flavored virus scanners are no longer as useless as they may have once seemed. Applications like ClamXav, Virus Barrier, and the Mac-friendly versions of Sophos and Kaspersky Anti-Virus have been designed specifically for Mac OS X. While at this stage, they tend to only find PC viruses or the occasional spammy phishing email or tracking cookie, one day (probably in the not-so-distant future), Mac-specific malware will start popping up in greater profusion.

As we mentioned previously, make sure you check what you're downloading! Fake (and virus-laden) Mac anti-virus programs are all over the place, so only grab software from legitimate sources.

13. Use your common sense

Most of the worms looking to crawl into your Apple are preying on unsuspecting users and outdated software — a deadly combination at the best of times. With the rampant "success" of the Flashback Trojan, it's fair to assume that more viruses, malware, and other nasties will find their way onto the Apple platform. This means it's up to you to keep yourself educated and your system secure.

Who said taking a bite from of the apple of knowledge was such a bad thing?

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